Active Ingredient

Description

Sustiva is used to treat HIV infection in combination with other anti-HIV medications. If Sustiva is the only drug you take to treat HIV infection, it may stop working.

Sustiva is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is similar to nevirapine (Viramune) and delavirdine (Rescriptor).

Sustiva is also known as Efavirenz, Stocrin.

Sustiva is in a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes zalcitabine (Hivid), zidovudine (Retrovir), didanosine (Videx), and lamivudine (Epivir). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the body's cells. The newly-formed viruses then are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect other cells. In this manner, the infection continually spreads to new, uninfected cells that the body is continually producing, and HIV infection is perpetuated. When producing new viruses, the HIV virus must manufacture new DNA for each virus. Reverse transcriptase is the enzyme that the virus uses to form this new DNA. Sustiva directly inhibits the activity of reverse transcriptase and blocks the production of DNA and new viruses. Unlike zidovudine, efavirenz does not need to be converted to an active form. Sustiva does not kill existing HIV virus and it is not a cure for HIV.

Dosage

Take this drug by mouth, generally once daily as directed. Take on an empty stomach with a glass of water. Taking Sustiva with food, especially a high-fat meal can lead to increased blood levels of the drug and increase your risk of having side effects.

Best taken at bedtime during the first month of use. Using this drug regularly at bedtime may decrease certain side effects. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed, or stop taking it unless directed to do so by your doctor. Read the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist.

If you want to achieve most effective results do not stop taking Sustiva suddenly.

Missing a dose

Do not take double dose. If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule.

Overdose

If you overdose Sustiva and you don't feel good you should visit your doctor or health care provider immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.

Safety Information

Side effects

The most common side effects associated with Sustiva are:

dizziness

drowsiness or trouble sleeping may occur

mood or mental changes (depression, and in rare cases, thoughts of suicide)

dark urine

stomach pain

yellowing eyes or skin

fever

seizures

Less common side effects during taking Sustiva include: allergic reactions (urticaria, breathing difficulties, rash, and eruption).

Side effects manifestations do not only depend on medicine you are taking but also depend on your health state and on the other factors.

Contraindications

Do not take Sustiva if you are allergic to Sustiva components.

Do not take Sustiva if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. It is unknown if Sustiva is excreted in breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding because breast milk can transmit HIV.

Be careful with Sustiva if you have mental disorders, liver disease (such as hepatitis).

Avoid machine driving.

Limit alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects.

It can be dangerous to stop Sustiva taking suddenly.

Delivery Information

Destination

Service

Tracking

Delivery Time

Price

Worldwide

Not trackable

14-21
working days

£11.80
per order

Trackable, where available

5-9
working days

£19.67
per order

Your order will be packed safely and dispatched within 24 hours.

This is how exactly your parcel looks like. It is similar to a regular private letter, which does not disclose its contents. Size: 9.4x4.3x0.3 inches (24x11x0.7cm).